HomeMy WebLinkAbout3a. Open to Business memo 1.28.25City of Lakeville
Memorandum
To:Economic Development Commission
From:Kati Bachmayer, Economic Development Manager
Copy:Tina Goodroad, Community Development Director
Justin Miller, City Administrator
Date:January 28, 2025
Subject:Dakota County’s Open to Business Program
The Open to Business program is a partnership between the Dakota County Community
Development Agency (CDA), cities in Dakota County (including Lakeville), and the Minnesota
Consortium of Community Developers (MCCD). Our MCCD representative is Natalie
Mouilso, who provides confidential business counseling to current and prospective
entrepreneurs on an individual basis. Thanks to this partnership, Open to Business services are
provided at no-cost to entrepreneurs and small businesses located in Lakeville and throughout
Dakota County.
Open to Business can help with business and strategic planning; marketing and
communications planning; regulatory, tax, licensing and accounting training; financial
assessment; and referrals to critical professional services. The Open to Business program staff
also assist entrepreneurs to identify borrowing needs and accessing financing options to meet
their needs. When applicable, MCCD offers direct financing and loans in partnership with
banks and nonprofit lenders.
Ms. Mouilso will be sharing information about the Open to Business program, the work
MCCD staff accomplished in Lakeville in 2024 and plans for 2025.
Action Requested: No action is requested. Ms. Mouilso’s presentation is informational in
order to grow the Open to Business client base and number of Lakeville residents and
businesses that receive free consulting services. Questions from EDC members are
encouraged.